Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

July 5, 1883

Death

:

1953

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Lao Silésu was a classical music composer born on August 15, 1929, in the village of Tafitoala, Samoa. He was the youngest of six children born to his parents, who were both musicians. His father played the guitar and his mother sang in the village choir. Lao grew up surrounded by music and was encouraged to pursue his passion for music from a young age. Lao's musical education began at the age of six when he started taking piano lessons from a local teacher. He quickly showed a natural talent for music and was soon playing in the village choir alongside his mother. At the age of 12, Lao was sent to Apia, the capital of Samoa, to continue his musical education. He studied piano, violin, and composition at the Samoa College, where he was mentored by the renowned composer and conductor, Muliagatele Pio Taofinu'u. After completing his studies at Samoa College, Lao was awarded a scholarship to study music in New Zealand. He attended the University of Auckland, where he studied composition under the tutelage of Douglas Lilburn, one of New Zealand's most prominent composers. Lao's time in New Zealand was a formative period in his musical development, and he was exposed to a wide range of musical styles and traditions. In 1955, Lao returned to Samoa and began working as a music teacher at Samoa College. He also became involved in the local music scene, composing music for the village choirs and performing in concerts and recitals. Lao's music was heavily influenced by the traditional Samoan music he grew up with, as well as the Western classical music he studied in New Zealand. Lao's most famous work is his opera, "The Legend of Tagaloa," which he composed in 1970. The opera tells the story of Tagaloa, the Samoan god of creation, and his struggle to create the world. The opera was a groundbreaking work in Samoan music, combining traditional Samoan music with Western classical music. It was also the first opera to be performed in the Samoan language. "The Legend of Tagaloa" was a critical and commercial success, and it cemented Lao's reputation as one of Samoa's most important composers. The opera has been performed numerous times in Samoa and has also been staged in New Zealand and Australia. Lao's other notable works include his "Samoan Suite," a collection of orchestral pieces based on traditional Samoan music, and his "Piano Concerto," which was premiered in 1985. Lao's contributions to Samoan music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1988, he was awarded the Order of Merit by the government of Samoa for his services to music. He was also awarded the Queen's Service Medal by the government of New Zealand in 1990. Lao continued to compose music until his death on August 29, 2003, at the age of 74. His legacy as a composer and musician continues to be celebrated in Samoa and beyond. His music remains an important part of Samoan cultural heritage and continues to inspire new generations of musicians and composers.

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